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Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) at Stanford University
"I loved learning about all different aspects of neuroscience/physiology and hearing from all the amazing researchers and professors. I also loved getting the opportunity to work with a small group of students from around the nation and develop meaningful friendships as well as further our passion for the subject. I really liked how we were able to have fun conversations, but still be on track."
CNI-X Participant
What is CNI-X?
The Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) at Stanford University is an intensive summer program that generally follows a student’s sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school. Students attend a two-week (10-day) session which provides introductory exposure to fascinating topics in neuroscience, psychiatry and psychology plus an opportunity to complete a collaborative capstone project.
During each session, students from across California, the country, and the world are exposed to the breadth of research found in the Stanford Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Through interactive seminars with Stanford faculty and researchers, students learn about principles of neuroscience, clinical neuropsychiatry, neuroscience research, psychiatric epidemiology, behavioral and social sciences, and more. CNI-X also covers topics important to young people, including professional and career opportunities in medicine and science, plus self-care strategies in the transition to adulthood.
In addition to participating in interactive lectures, students in each session will spend guided time working in small teams to develop innovative, novel solutions to social issues related to psychiatry, psychology, or neuroscience. These ideas and solutions will then be presented at a final capstone session in front of an audience of classmates, families, and the program’s faculty and staff.
CNI-X is a fast-paced, intense, challenging, creative, and bonding experience for students. Previous students have come from very diverse academic backgrounds, and have a wide range of career aspirations, including law, sociology, medicine, psychology, engineering, business, fine arts, and more.
2023 Program Fees*
Session 1 (In-person): $2,590
Session 2 (Virtual): $1,295
*Scholarships are available for qualified applicants. Please request financial assistance as directed in the application.
Applicants interested in the complementary CNI-X+ program for underrepresented minority (URM) students can learn more about it here.
"It was so informative and educational! I was surprised at how much we had access to...and how encouraging [the professors] were. It was my privilege to meet them and they treated me with so much respect and understanding."
CNI-X Participant
Examples of past topics and activities
- Eating Disorders: Body Image
- Early Intervention Programs
- Mindfulness: Reducing Stress and Promoting Wellness for Youth
- Emotions and Building a Brain
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Design Thinking for Clinical Innovation
- Why Sleep?
- Gender Differences in the Brain
- Sports Psychiatry
- Psychosocial Intervention for Early Psychosis
- Brain Stimulation
- Human Brain Models of Disease
- Intolerance of Uncertainty Across OCD and Related Disorders
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Neuroimaging
- The Mind and Diet
- Zebra Fish Laboratory Tour
- Addictions in our World
- Treatment for Autism
- Genetics in Everyday Life and Mental Health
- Trauma, Mental Health and Human Rights
"I love the program a lot. I thought it was very informative and engaging. I learned a lot about neuroscience and the brain, and now I definitely want to pursue a career in this field.”
CNI-X Participant
How do I apply?
The application period for Summer 2023 has ended.
We will be offering both virtual and in-person options for our 2023 sessions.
Students will learn and talk about a wide range of topics, some fascinating, some exciting, and some quite serious. Applicants should be aware that sensitive topics in psychiatry may arise, including but not limited to suicide, psychosis, addiction, child abuse, sexual assault, violence, and mental disorders, and should not apply if this will be problematic for them.
*All program activities will be conducted in English and participants should have high proficiency to fully engage in lectures and discussions.
“The capstone project helped us create an actual change in our community.”
CNI-X Participant